At IAC, diversity is an integral part of our global business strategy and we are committed to pursuing a diverse supplier base that reflects the growth of minority, veteran-owned and women-owned businesses. Our policy is to provide opportunities for such enterprises to ensure fair consideration as vendors of goods and services. We support the surrounding communities in which we do business and recognize that partnering with diverse businesses is an important part of our purchasing processes. No potential supplier will be precluded from consideration on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin. Diversity Supplier Guidelines Requirements and Definitions for the United States and CanadaIAC defines minority-owned businesses as being at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals from any one or more of the following groups:
Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
African, Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Hispanic, Native American, Canadian Aboriginals
Non-Minority Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Veteran-Owned Business
Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business
IAC defines women-owned businesses as at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women. Those who wish to have the designation as a diversity supplier to IAC must acquire and maintain valid certification(s) from one or more of the listed agencies or organizations. In certain situations, additional certifications may be required from more than one source:
The NMSDC or affiliate regional councils or sub-groups
The WBENC
The National Veteran Business Development Council
Diversity Supplier Qualifications
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
A Minority Business Enterprise, commonly referred to as an MBE, is an independent business concern owned at least 51% by minority (Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American) individuals who are U.S. citizens. In the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals i.e. the management and daily operations are controlled by those minority group members.
For more information about MBE certification, visit the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s website at www.nmsdc.org. For Canadian MBEs, visit the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council‘s website at www.camsc.ca.
Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)
A Women’s Business Enterprise, commonly referred to as a WBE, is an independent business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or Legal Resident Aliens; whose business formation and principal place of business are in the U.S. or its territories; and whose management and daily operation is controlled by a woman with industry expertise.
For more information about WBE certification, visit the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s website at www.wbenc.org. For WBEs based outside the U.S, visit WEConnect International’s website at www.weconnectinternational.org.
Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
A Veteran Business Enterprise, commonly referred to as a VBE, is an independent business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a veteran (having served in the active military, naval or air service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable).
For more information about VBE certification, visit the National Veteran Business Development Council’s website at www.nvbdc.org or the Center for Veterans Enterprises at www.va.gov/osdbu. Additional information for veteran-owned businesses is available at www.sba.gov/vets and www.sba.gov/reservists.
Resource Links
This section contains links to organizations and programs that are resources to diverse businesses, corporations seeking to increase purchases from MBEs, WBEs and VBEs, and individuals seeking to learn more about diversity in the market place.
Non-Profit Organizations
IAC supports the organizations below, which are all extremely dedicated to the development of minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. These national organizations are primary resources for minority businesses and corporate purchasing activities.